Do you want to chat with a missionary?

Hi I'm BilliJo

I'm a daughter, sister, student, wife and mom working through the challenges of life having hope to a better future. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

Copy and Share

I am a wife and mom living in the great state of Nebraska and have grown to love it here. My husband is a wonderful man and my best friend, who tries his best to provide for our family. I am trying the best I can to get through the challenges I face one day at a time. Some of the challenges that I have faced or still face are depression, making ends meet and trying to be a good wife and mom. Adding to my challenges in Februray of 2006 I was in a car accident which the injuries in my neck healed wrong and I can no longer hold my head up without additional support. The condition is called Crevical Dytonia or Spasmotic Tortilcollis. At the present time I am attending college so that one day I will be able to help my family get out of debt, become self reliant, and be able to better prepare for our future.
I grew up in a family with divorced parents living with my mom and my 3 sisters and 1 brother. My dad has lived in North Dakota all of his life. While the rest of us lived in Utah, Minnesota, Washington. My parents divorced when I was very young, then got married again when I was in third grade.However they were divorced again when I was in 7th grade. I spent the rest of my adolesant years in Washington State living near my grand parents.
I met my husband on a blind date in Port Orchard, Washington and in March of 1999 we were married in the Seattle Temple. As a family we have lived in Washington, Utah, Nebraska and now Missouri.

Why I am a Mormon

Copy and Share

Why am I a Mormon?
From stories of when I was a small child I had faith enough to say at the end of a family prayer that the prayer wasn't over yet because "mom still smokes" which was the last day that my mother has smoked ciggarettes. I also remembered every Fast and Testimony Sunday which is usually on the first Sunday of the month, I got up to bear my testimony that I Know that Jesus lives and loves me, I know that the Book of Mormon is true, and that Joesph Smith was a true prophet. My first year at Girls Camp, for girls ages 12-18 during the testimony meeting is the first time that I remeber truly testify to me that what I was saying was true.
I have loved going to church since the time that I could remember. I loved the leaders that I had during my adolesant years. They truely were great examples to me. They helped me learn to feel that I was worth and were huge influences when there was so many bad influences around me. I learned that my true happiness comes only by following the teachings of Jesus Christ.
I feel great joy when I choose to keep the commandments and the covenants. There is no greater joy that I feel then when I am with My family and we choose to be faithful to the teachings of the Goapel of Jesus Christ.
I know Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer that loves me. I know the Book of Mormon is the Word of God and a compainion to the Bible. I know that Joesph Smith is the Prophet of God who restored the True church upon the earth. Joesph Smith did see God the Father and Jesus Christ in a grove of trees. I know that what I am saying is true because I have prayed to my Heavenly Father and have recieved a witness of the Holy Ghost that his church is the true church on earth today.

How I live my faith

Copy and Share

I live my faith by trying to stay positive despite my challenges. For example, One night when I was tired of hurting so much from the torticollis and the slow healings from my accident and I wanted it to all end. As I was praying I had the impression sent by the Holy Ghost that maybe I am having just a glimps of what the Savior went through for me. Since that day I have been able most days to be positive. I have had it said to me that this person was sorry I hurt so much. I said to her not to be sorry because I was learning so much.
I am learning to endure through my trials and move forward anyway. I am learning compassion, and mercy.
I am trying to teach my daughter (even when it seems I am not getting through) work skills and ethic. Trying to learn, teach and live that faith without works is dead being good for nothing. Work is an essential part of faith. I am trying to learn, teach, and live the principles taught through the Gospel of Jesus Christ that need to be applied and practiced to fully gain a testimony of that principles. Such as, the law of tithing. This is a law of faith and obedients. With this law comes promises that if we pay an honest tithe the Lord will make up for where we fall short. Time and time again I have seen this happen for my family and other people I see. Obedience brings blessings of peace that we will be ok.
The Principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ help me draw closer to my Savior. Saying my prayers morning and night, individually and as a family, making time for Family Home Evening, Family Scripture Study, attending church and partaking of the Sacrament, attending the Temple and more are things that I am trying to make and keep a part of my day to day life.
I am not alway diligent in keeping the commandments or living these principles and I sin often and so I am grateful for the attonement of Jesus Christ so I am grateful I can repent an be forgiven. This is where I find peace and joy and hope that I can do hard things.

For Mormons, going to church is more than just an hour or two, once a week. The church is a community where there are several organizations for women, youth and so much more. Watch this video to learn more about what the community means to Mormons.

For years, Lindsey Stirling battled an eating disorder that not only drove her actions but convinced her she was worthless. Through prayer she found the true Healer, who understood her and her “incurable disease.”